Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced 17 U.S. cities are finalists to receive grants of up to $1 million each as part of the Public Art Challenge, a program launched in 2014 to support temporary public art projects that address an urgent civic issue.  More than 150 cities from 40 U.S. states applied, and the most frequently cited issues they would tackle include urban revitalization, environmental sustainability, and equity.  Proposals also included addressing unsheltered communities, gun safety, and public health. Projects included a wide range of creative expression such as sculptures, murals, performances, digital projects, light installations, and festivals. Bloomberg Philanthropies will select up to 10 winners from among these 17 finalists in fall 2023 to execute their projects within the next two years. 

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